FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – The Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia (FUTH-Lafia), in Nasarawa State, has officially launched a vaccine research and development initiative as part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to inject innovation into Nigeria’s health sector.
The initiative was unveiled during a two-day inaugural Vaccine Research Retreat held in Abuja for hospital staff and stakeholders. Speaking at the event, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FUTH-Lafia, Dr. Ikrama Hassan, described the project as a bold step toward advancing infrastructural and human capacity within the hospital to drive optimal healthcare delivery.
According to Dr. Hassan, the vaccine research project is being implemented in collaboration with two key institutions: Innovative Biotech, Abuja, and the Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. The goal, he noted, is to foster result-oriented research in vaccine development and position FUTH-Lafia as a center of excellence in medical innovation.
“This collaboration aligns with the Federal Government’s strategic agenda to encourage partnerships among specialized institutions—particularly in the area of vaccine development,” Dr. Hassan stated.
He emphasized that the partnership will not only transform FUTH-Lafia into a hub for advanced research in vaccines and disease surveillance but will also expose the hospital’s personnel to global best practices in biomedical innovation.
Dr. Hassan also expressed appreciation to Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State for his consistent support and dedication to the project, which he described as the brainchild of the current Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, conceived during his tenure as Commissioner for Health.
Also speaking at the retreat, the Director of Innovative Biotech, Professor Simon Agwale, hailed the project as a significant milestone for Nigeria’s medical research landscape. He highlighted its potential to facilitate the development of homegrown vaccines and health solutions tailored specifically to the country’s unique health challenges.
Several stakeholders at the event described the initiative as a landmark step that would place the newly established teaching hospital on a strong path toward cutting-edge research, vaccine development, and strengthened healthcare delivery systems, as formal administrative structures are being finalized.
Signed
Ari, LIMAN AMINU.
HEAD OF CENTRE,
FIC, LAFIA
